My PC Based System

[Sabot]

I jumped into this as a simple hobby with maybe two camera and an old 2009 LGA 775 PC/Server just two weeks ago. Well I am now up to seven cameras (2 each: Dahua IPC-HFW4300S and 5 each: DS-2CD2032-I), 1500 feet of Cat5e (wired the house last weekend), two TP-Link PoE Switches, Lenovo ThinkServer TS140 ($329 http://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-ThinkServer-70A4001LUX-E3-1225-Processor/dp/B00FE29IWK), Full licenses for Blue Iris and Xprotect Essential, Windows 7, HGST Deskstar NAS, 4TB and some left overs: SSD, velociraptor, and two 1TB WD Black HD's.

I came across the Lenovo Thinkserver and it seemed to be a nice deal for: Lenovo ThinkServer TS140 70A4001LUX 5U Tower Server (3.2 GHz Intel Xeon E3-1225 v3 Processor, 4 GB ECC RAM, No HDD, DVD-ROM, No OS) Black for $329. The processor alone costs near that. It's a nice simple, low power server.

I also came across a sweet server monitoring software: Pulseway. I have been looking for something like this for years. Most of the time, I find enterprise solutions. Pulseway was quick and easy to setup, It monitors near real time everything I need to see plus it sends me alerts. I have the app on my phone so I don't have to login. I just open the app and check out the remote server. It will also notify me when updates are available. Lots of cool things.You can go free or pay. I just had to tell someone! :sick:

 

[jdbaker]

I'm looking to purchase a platform to manage a 8 camera systems at my home. How's the TS140 working out for you? Do you think it would work for my implementation?

 

[Sabot]

Good morning,
So far it's been working great. I'm impressed, never purchased Lenovo equipment before. While it does not have a lot of bells, it does do great for my needs. Low power and very quite. So far, very stable.

The software is another issue! Since moving to Windows 8.1, I can't get Milestone to run correctly. I am working with tech support. I moved back to Blue Iris. Blue Iris is running the CPU about 38%. I have my cameras maxed out to test my new equipment and software. Blue Iris would max out the Intel Core 2 CPU.

If you can afford a bit more, get as much CPU as you can. I ran out of money so this one fit the bill nicely.

 

[johngalt]

Was that the one I saw on NewEgg a few days ago, it was a tower case? 5U? I wish rack mount cases weren't so damn expensive. I got a rack for free along time ago and it's filling up fast with crap on sitting on shelves. I'd love to clean it up with actual rack mount equipment.

 

[Sabot]

yes, its a 5U tower. I placed it on a shelf, the wife won't let me go the high road and install a rack system! I have learned not to press that issue!

 

[fenderman]

I'm looking to purchase a platform to manage a 8 camera systems at my home. How's the TS140 working out for you? Do you think it would work for my implementation?

What cameras do you intend to use? What NVR software?

 

[jdbaker]

Right now I have three FOCAM camera's that I had laying around. I'll probably use those and have yet to decide on what others to buy. My plans are to run Blue Iris. Any other platforms anyone can suggest?